NOAA’s U.S. Winter Outlook Calls for Variability

In announcing the 2008-2009 U.S. Winter Outlook for meteorological winter
from December through February, forecasters at the
NOAA Climate Prediction
Center are calling for warmer-than-normal temperatures for much of the
central part of the nation, and a continuation of drier-than-normal
conditions across the Southeast.

With the absence of
La Niña and
El Niño in the equatorial Pacific Ocean this season (climate patterns
that give forecasters clues about potential weather events months in
advance), predicting weather patterns on seasonal timescales becomes
increasingly challenging. Instead, other climate patterns over the Arctic
and North Atlantic regions may play a significant role in influencing U.S.
winter weather.

“These patterns are only predictable a week or two in advance and could
persist for weeks at a time,” said Michael

Halpert, deputy director, Climate
Prediction Center. “Therefore, we expect variability, or substantial changes
in temperature and precipitation across much of the country.”

Hawaii: Above-normal temperatures for eastern Hawaii and
below-normal temperatures for western Hawaii. There are equal chances
for above-, near-, or below-normal precipitation throughout the state.

The U.S. Winter Outlook does not include a snowfall forecast. Snow
forecasts are heavily dependent upon winter storms and are generally not
predictable more than several days in advance.

Prepare for winter weather through
NOAA Watch. The site
gives you the latest weather patterns, forecasts and warnings issued by
NOAA’s National Weather Service. Also, tune in to
NOAA Weather Radio All
Hazards to get your up-to-the-minute local forecast and warnings.

NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment, from
the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages
our coastal and marine resources.